A large-scale search and rescue operation was launched this afternoon near Brighton Palace Pier after reports of a person falling into the water. Witnesses claimed that the individual fell off one of the Groynes just West of the Pier.
HM Coastguard mobilised Newhaven, Littlehampton, and Shoreham rescue teams, as well as Shoreham and Newhaven RNLI all-weather lifeboats. Local Coastguard teams, Coastguard officers, Sussex Police, and the Rescue Coastguard Helicopter from Lee-on-Solent (call sign Solent 175) are also participating in the search.
A Coastguard spokesperson stated, “HM Coastguard’s Newhaven, Littlehampton, and Shoreham coastguard rescue teams, alongside Shoreham and Newhaven RNLI all-weather lifeboats, Sussex Police, and the coastguard helicopter from Lee-on-Solent are coordinating a search for a possible person in the water at Brighton Palace Pier, following concerns first raised to the emergency services shortly before 4 pm today.”
Additional details about the incident, including the identity of the person involved, are currently unavailable. The search and rescue operation is ongoing, and authorities are urging the public to stay clear of the area to allow emergency services to work efficiently. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Sussex News has been advised the Search has now been stood down (9:30PM)
Brighton and Hove Police said just after 10pm “We supported the RNLI and Coastguard as they searched near Brighton Pier this afternoon (12 April) following reports of a person entering the water.
Emergency services were called at around 4pm and an extensive search was launched in extremely rough conditions involving RNLI and Coastguard rescue teams, alongside the Coastguard helicopters from Lee-On-Solent and Lydd.
The search has now been suspended for the evening.”
